Ichi-Riki Japanese Restaurant: The Ultimate Sushi Experience in Seaside, CA

Food is great. Sashimi tasted fresh. Staff are nice. Parking is somewhat difficult. They share a parking space with a car repair shop next door, you would miss it if you are not from the area.

I stopped in for lunch and found the lunch pricing to be very reasonable, which the food quality may reflect to some extent. The salmon sashimi closely resembled the salmon used in the salad; given that, the salad is the safer choice. The sashimi was irregularly cut, though the fish itself was of decent quality. The katsu was unconventional and not something I would recommend. That said, other menu items were respectable, so I’d give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt overall. Note: Parking is unclear—using the auto body shop parking lot next door appears to be the practical option.

A nice sushi/Japanese spot offering a robust menu and good service. We came here in on a Friday night for dinner. It was busy but there were a few tables left. There was also some spots left at the sushi bar. The food was pretty good although it was tad bit slow to arrive. I had the Donburi bowl with fresh water eel. It was very good and the eel was perfectly grilled. My family had the combo Venmo dinner and some cut rolls. Everything was good and overall we were satisfied.

I’m a frequent visitor to Ichi-Riki, and it’s always a delight. The food is consistently amazing, with bold flavors, great variety, and very reasonable prices. The servers are attentive, and the experience is elevated further when Kiichi himself serves us—he’s always a pleasure to talk to. The flavors here are truly remarkable. The specialty rolls are a standout—each one is a perfect blend of fresh, high-quality ingredients with creative, well-balanced flavor profiles. The rolls often have a delightful mix of textures, with crisp tempura, creamy avocado, and tender fish, all brought together with sauces that add a touch of umami or sweetness without overwhelming the dish. The mussel shooters are a treat for seafood lovers. Served with a tangy ponzu sauce, they strike the perfect balance between briny freshness and zesty acidity, with just a hint of heat to tie it all together. They’re light but packed with flavor, making them an excellent starter. The sukiyaki is comfort food at its finest. The rich, savory-sweet broth is infused with the flavors of soy, sugar, and mirin, perfectly complementing the tender beef, fresh vegetables, and silky tofu. The balance of sweet and savory makes every bite feel indulgent yet homely, especially when paired with steamed rice. Some of my other favorites include the Skigoku Oysters and the combination box with Tonkatsu and Teriyaki salmon. I also really appreciate that they have Sapporo and Asahi on draft, which pair perfectly with the meal. For constructive feedback, I’d suggest adding a hostess stand or some signage to clarify seating arrangements. It’s often unclear whether we should seat ourselves or wait, which leads to awkward moments, especially when the restaurant is busy. Some guidance would make the experience smoother and more welcoming for everyone. Overall, Ichi-Riki is one of my favorite spots, and I’ll continue coming back for the incredible food, thoughtful presentation, and friendly service!

Ichi Riki has been around as long as I can remember. Still a nice place, getting a little dated, but understandable. Still good food at a pretty good price. Staff is always great as well.

Great fish selection; lots of delicate cuts and the sashimi (tuna, yellowtail, salmon) melt in your mouth. Service was exceptional with high attention to detail from the head and supporting chefs

Loved this spot for lunch! Very friendly staff, cozy old school vibes, and GREAT food! I got the lunch bento with teriyaki chicken and sweet potato roll. It came with some delicious miso soup too. So good.

I’m not joking when I say I came here twice in one week—it was that good! The atmosphere is beautiful and welcoming, with immediate greetings as you walk in. I had udon (about $16-$17.50) both times, my boyfriend got a lunch box ($17.50), and my friend tried the spicy tuna roll ($7.50). We all loved our meals, which were great portions for the price. The complimentary tea was a lovely touch that elevated the experience. While the wait time was a bit long, the quality made it worth it. Highly recommend for an authentic, delicious meal!